Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate Programs

Biology is the study of living systems and how they function. Because the biological sciences have had and continue to have profound impact on questions of concern to human society - longevity, environmental quality, biotechnology - knowledge of the biological sciences is an essential aspect of higher education. Biologists find employment in research laboratories, regulatory agencies, and education. Interested students should see the major area advisors.

Biology majors take a minimum of 11 courses that include the core curriculum of Functional Biology, Organismal Biology, Genetics, a biological diversity course, a physiology course, Ecology, and Evolution. At the sophomore level and above, a variety of courses in cellular and organismal biology assure a broad education in any of the regions of specialization. Additional required courses in chemistry, mathematics and physics provide a broad scientific background. A minor outside the Biology Department is required for all areas of study except for the Wildlife Biology program.